GRUBB APPOINTED GB U18S HEAD COACH

Martin Grubb has been appointed as the head coach of Great Britain Under-18s.

The 42-year-old moves from his current GB role as assistant coach for the under-20s where he won a bronze medal in Division II Group A in Budapest last year.

This will be Grubb’s second stint with GB U18s after previously being assistant coach in 2012-13 and head coach from 2013 to 2017, winning a bronze in the 2015 Division II Group A tournament.

Domestically, the Kirkcaldy-born Scotsman has had massive success as coach as Solway Sharks, winning the NIHL North league and playoff double in 2013-14 and 2016-17.

Following the departure of Jeff Hutchins last season, IHUK’s national development head coach Tony Hand took interim charge of the U18s and led them to promotion to Division 1 Group B with a gold medal in Estonia.

“I am honoured to be head coach of the under-18s again and would like to thank Tony, the project board and IHUK for the opportunity,” said Grubb.

“It is an exciting time for GB hockey with the 18s promotion and the amazing achievement of the GB Men being promoted to the top flight.

“We have a good group of players and although it will be a difficult task ahead, we will go into 1B with confidence and a determination to stay up and build from there.

“I have two good assistant coaches and a good staff and am looking forward to working with them all.

“I have learnt a lot since I was last with the 18s and want to thank Slava and Aaron for last year. I hope to take what I’ve learnt into this role and ensure we are successful.”

Tony Hand said: “Martin has extensive experience within the GB junior set-up, so is very well suited to this role.

“He has been a big part of the Great Britain programme since 2012 and has the experience required to lead a team at a World Championship.

“Martin has had success before with GB and plenty of success domestically, so I think he is a great fit to lead the under-18s.”